Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed authorities to establish a joint working group on HIV prevention with The Global Fund, his office announced on Tuesday, as infection rates continue to climb in Pakistan. The directive came during a meeting in Islamabad with a Global Fund delegation led by Mark Edington, head of the grant management division at the organization.
Rising HIV Cases in Pakistan
Although Pakistan's HIV epidemic remains relatively small in absolute numbers compared to global hotspots, it is among the fastest-growing in Asia. Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal reported in May that out of 374,126 individuals screened at 97 centers this year, 14,182 tested positive for HIV.
Prime Minister's Directives
“The prime minister directed the formation of a joint working group between the Government of Pakistan and the Global Fund on HIV prevention,” the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) stated. Sharif described the Global Fund as a “key partner” in improving Pakistan’s healthcare system and reiterated Islamabad's commitment to eliminating tuberculosis, HIV, and malaria.
Government Efforts and Global Fund Support
Officials from the Ministry of National Health Services briefed the delegation on government initiatives to prevent and control the spread of TB, HIV, and malaria. The delegation praised Pakistan’s efforts and reaffirmed continued support in eradicating these diseases, according to the PMO.
Controversy Over Reused Syringes
A recent BBC report revealed that 331 children tested positive for HIV in Taunsa, southern Punjab, between November 2024 and October 2025 due to reused syringes. The report highlighted systemic malpractice at Tehsil Headquarters (THQ) Hospital Taunsa, where medical staff were filmed reusing syringe bodies and drawing medication from contaminated multi-dose vials. This caused public fear and demands for action, prompting Prime Minister Sharif to form a special taskforce to investigate the rise in HIV cases.
